Funding approved for New England Highway Safety package

New project to improve safety between Warwick and Wallangarra, including new overtaking lanes, wide centre line treatment works and minor intersection improvements

Australian Government has approved $9.3 million towards the project under the National Highway Upgrade

The Australian Government has approved funding of up to $9.3 million for safety works on the New England Highway between Warwick and Wallangarra.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the $11.63 million project formed part of the National Highway Upgrade Programme to improve the national road network through priority safety and efficiency works.

“The New England Highway is one of Australia’s most heavily used roads, and this Government is committed to improving road safety to reduce the impact and cost road crashes and fatalities have on our communities,” Mr Chester said.

“The Australian Government’s record $50 billion infrastructure investment programme is building our future by creating jobs and delivering a safer, more effective national road network.”

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the works would upgrade six sections along an 11.35 kilometre stretch of the highway.

“Road safety and strengthening our transport network are major priorities for me and I’ve worked closely with Minister Chester to make sure road safety issues—between Warwick and Wallangarra—are properly addressed,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’ll be looking to improve overtaking opportunities and widening lanes in areas which not only have a tragic history of head-on crashes but also in zones that pose an unacceptable crash risk. The project also includes minor intersection improvements to remove turning traffic from the through lane at Mt Stirling Road intersection.

“With more vehicles using the New England, particularly heavy vehicles, fixing sections of the highway in need attention is one of the best ways to keep drivers safe.

“Construction works are expected to start in October and should take about a year to complete.”

The New England Safety package is a jointly funded project with the Australian Government contributing $9.3 million and the Queensland Government $2.33 million.